L. J. Vieger was a teacher for a long time—about thirty years. She loved reading books out loud and watching kids laugh, wonder, and sometimes ask big questions. She knew the answers to most of them. Eventually, she decided to write some books of her own.

Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, L. J. loved books, music, and being outdoors. Some days she played piano or flute. Other days, she raced her bike down the street until someone called her in for dinner.

Today, L. J. lives with her husband, who is a rocket scientist (this is true). Their three kids are grown now, so Lucy, their lab-beagle mix, has taken over as the official writing companion. She takes this job very seriously.

When she’s not writing, L.J. is reading—every day, even on vacation. She’s a reluctant triathlete who adores biking, tolerates running, and approaches swimming with the enthusiasm of a cat near a bathtub. Her best ideas often arrive while hiking, exploring new places, or sitting by the ocean with her toes in the sand.